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Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ
Rarely addressed throughout church history, the doctrine of adoption has seen fresh attention in recent years. Although valuable, contemporary studies have focused primarily on etymological, cultural, and pastoral considerations, giving little to no attention to vital systematic theological concerns. In this groundbreaking work, Professor David Garner examines the function of adoption in Pauline its relationship to the doctrines of Christ, the Holy Spirit, eschatology, and union with Christ, as well as its primary place among the other benefits of salvation. Adoption frames Pauline soteriology, Garner argues, and defines the Trinitarian, familial context of redemption in Christ, the Son of God. Properly understood, adoption’s paradigm-shifting implications extend deep and far. “I’m convinced that Garner’s book will be considered a theological classic of the Christian faith. . . . To say I absolutely loved it would be an understatement.” —DAN CRUVER, President, Together for Adoption “Reading Sons in the Son is like putting on a new set of glasses that enable the reader to see the glistening beauty of God’s grace of adoption throughout the entirety of his salvation plan.” —NANCY GUTHRIE, Author, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series “Garner’s book may well reset the Reformed church’s thinking about the relationship of its doctrine of salvation and its doctrine of Christ.” —HOWARD GRIFFITH, Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, DC “All future work on this subject that is so precious to the minds and hearts of Christians should reckon with this masterful treatment.” —JOEL R. BEEKE, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids DAVID B. GARNER (TH.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. Follow him on Twitter @davidb_garner.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2017
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December 26, 2016
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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You see, despite being one of the three benefits the Westminster Shorter Catechism says that they who are effectually called partake of in this life (the other two being justification and sanctification, with several benefits that flow from or accompany these three), by and large, it's been ignored in favor of the other two. Garner will describe it as a "deafening theological silence characterizing huiothesia [adoption] since the WCF." It's a slight exaggeration, but only slight.
Garner wants to push this doctrine to the forefront, to the limelight that it deserves, has pursued this in various forms throughout the years, and now brings it all into focus through this outstanding book.
He begins by describing various approaches to the topic -- historically, linguistically, and so on -- and sets out how he will proceed and build upon the best (primarily: Calvin and Westminster). This is a daunting section, but does well setting forth the landscape. It was interesting and thorough, I don't know that it wowed me at any point, but it certainly whet my appetite for that which lay ahead.
Part 2 is where the major Biblical heavy lifting takes place -- Garner goes for in-depth exegetical looks at each text that touches on the topic, building both a case for each text individually, as well as a Biblical-Theological whole. I will be honest, a lot of this went over my head -- at least the details. But Garner writes in a way to ensure that even untrained laity can follow the his train of thought.
In part 3, Garner brings Adoption into Systematic Theology, primarily discussing its relation to Justification and Sanctification. He brushes up against some of the recent Justification controversies here, and demonstrates how a better understanding of Adoption, can (and should) play a significant role in resolving them. He does similar work with some Sanctification controversies -- but not as much, partially because Justification has been a larger issue of late, and because historically Adoption has been (incorrectly) considered as forensically as Justification. This section probably takes more work to understand than the Exegetical section, but that could be just because I don't try to get too much of a handle on the Greek, and I don't have that hang up with English. Takes more work, sure, but doable.
Garner isn't writing for laity explicitly, but he doesn't write in a way that's only accessible by theologians and scholars. Yeah, you sometimes there's a lot of technical jargon to wade through, but it can be done (if nothing else, you feel smarter -- and probably learn a couple of things). It was a bit weightier than most of what I've been reading lately, and I took my time with it to make sure it didn't overwhelm me (it easily could have).
It's absolutely worth the effort -- this book is full of pastoral application, it will help you understand and appreciate the Pauline texts -- and will deepen your assurance. This is quite possibly the best book I've read this year. Read this one. I will re-read it -- I'm even going to buy a hard copy when this is released, you should, too.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from P & R Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this. I meant it, I'm buying a hard copy as soon as I can.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
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At the heart of Pauline soteriology is the redemptive-historically charged concept of adoption (huiothesia). For Paul, the entirety of our redemption—from the mind of God before creation itself until its eschatological completion in our bodily resurrection—is expressed by filial reality, filial identity, and a filially framed union. As we will see in the following pages, this filial grace in Christ Jesus is expressly and implicitly, in Pauline theology, adoption.I remember the first time I was really introduced to the doctrine of Adoption -- sure, the idea had been mentioned throughout my Christian life, and using some material from an Ancient History class on Roman culture, I'd developed my understanding a bit, but it wasn't until I'd been Reformed for a year or two that I heard someone seriously discuss the doctrine -- the elder of the church I belonged to at the time walked us through the Westminster Confession's teaching on it -- the most robust development and explanation of the doctrine in Reformed Confessional history. I recall being struck by this teaching, how vital it was -- and then hearing very little about it (on the whole) for the next couple of decades.
You see, despite being one of the three benefits the Westminster Shorter Catechism says that they who are effectually called partake of in this life (the other two being justification and sanctification, with several benefits that flow from or accompany these three), by and large, it's been ignored in favor of the other two. Garner will describe it as a "deafening theological silence characterizing huiothesia [adoption] since the WCF." It's a slight exaggeration, but only slight.
Garner wants to push this doctrine to the forefront, to the limelight that it deserves, has pursued this in various forms throughout the years, and now brings it all into focus through this outstanding book.
He begins by describing various approaches to the topic -- historically, linguistically, and so on -- and sets out how he will proceed and build upon the best (primarily: Calvin and Westminster). This is a daunting section, but does well setting forth the landscape. It was interesting and thorough, I don't know that it wowed me at any point, but it certainly whet my appetite for that which lay ahead.
Part 2 is where the major Biblical heavy lifting takes place -- Garner goes for in-depth exegetical looks at each text that touches on the topic, building both a case for each text individually, as well as a Biblical-Theological whole. I will be honest, a lot of this went over my head -- at least the details. But Garner writes in a way to ensure that even untrained laity can follow the his train of thought.
In part 3, Garner brings Adoption into Systematic Theology, primarily discussing its relation to Justification and Sanctification. He brushes up against some of the recent Justification controversies here, and demonstrates how a better understanding of Adoption, can (and should) play a significant role in resolving them. He does similar work with some Sanctification controversies -- but not as much, partially because Justification has been a larger issue of late, and because historically Adoption has been (incorrectly) considered as forensically as Justification. This section probably takes more work to understand than the Exegetical section, but that could be just because I don't try to get too much of a handle on the Greek, and I don't have that hang up with English. Takes more work, sure, but doable.
Garner isn't writing for laity explicitly, but he doesn't write in a way that's only accessible by theologians and scholars. Yeah, you sometimes there's a lot of technical jargon to wade through, but it can be done (if nothing else, you feel smarter -- and probably learn a couple of things). It was a bit weightier than most of what I've been reading lately, and I took my time with it to make sure it didn't overwhelm me (it easily could have).
It's absolutely worth the effort -- this book is full of pastoral application, it will help you understand and appreciate the Pauline texts -- and will deepen your assurance. This is quite possibly the best book I've read this year. Read this one. I will re-read it -- I'm even going to buy a hard copy when this is released, you should, too.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from P & R Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this. I meant it, I'm buying a hard copy as soon as I can.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
October 9, 2017
This is probably the most thorough study of the biblical doctrine of our adoption in Christ. With the exception of his interpretation of Heb 5:7 I found his arguments to be convincing. It is an outstanding book about the nature of our salvation accomplished for us by Christ and applied to us by the Holy Spirit. I should probably rate it 4 1/2 stars, however, instead of 5 because of the style, which still betrays evidence of having begun life as a Ph.D. dissertation. I wish it were written on the level at which it would be read by a larger audience.
August 4, 2017
Sons in the Son is a comprehensive study of the doctrine of adoption. If you're like me (and most of the Christians I know), you haven't spent much time studying or thinking about adoption - and you've been missing out. As Garner says in the book, adoption is the gospel. Adoption covers all parts of the Christian life - it is union with Christ.
This book is somewhat technical and academic, but don't let that put you off. As a lay person who has had no training in Greek I found it helpful (but not necessary) to read the book with my laptop next to me, open to an online dictionary and a Greek translation site (for the very few times Garner gives a Greek word and doesn't translate it). Some parts of the book were harder than others to get through, but the greater understanding of adoption and what Jesus has accomplished for his people is worth much more than the work to read this book. I recommend it highly to all Christians.
This book is somewhat technical and academic, but don't let that put you off. As a lay person who has had no training in Greek I found it helpful (but not necessary) to read the book with my laptop next to me, open to an online dictionary and a Greek translation site (for the very few times Garner gives a Greek word and doesn't translate it). Some parts of the book were harder than others to get through, but the greater understanding of adoption and what Jesus has accomplished for his people is worth much more than the work to read this book. I recommend it highly to all Christians.
August 1, 2023
Fantastic book. It brings great theological clarity to the role of adoption in salvation.
February 19, 2017
Sons in the Son by David Garner is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting theological works to be published in a very long time. The subtitle of this book is, The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ, and I can't think of a more suitable subtitle for this monumental work. I have always had a certain affinity for the doctrine of adoption but like so many other Christians I feel as though I have only scratched the surface of what appear to be a pivotal doctrine in understanding this great and wonderful salvation we have in Christ. After spending a few weeks in this book I am starting to grasp its importance a little more and am starting to see just how profound this doctrine really is.
Sons in the Son is divided into three movements: In the first movement, Garner starts us off by providing a well needed review of the history of the doctrine of of adoption including key interpretive and etymological highlights from the history of Christian theology. However, before getting to the historical and hermeneutical background of adoption in Christ, Garner issues as well articulated warning against common interpretive errors which have contributed to the neglect of this doctrine. I've written on the dangers of relying too much on quantitative analysis in our hermeneutics in the past and was glad to see that Garner also recognizes the shortcomings of giving too much importance to quantitative rather than contextual analysis in assessing the proper weight of a doctrine's place in our theology. It is possible that an over-emphasis on quantitative analysis has lead to the relatively low place that adoption has played in our theologies up until now.
I really appreciated Garner's historical analysis of the doctrine of adoption. I was surprised to learn just how little attention the church fathers gave to the huiothesia [adoption] in their writings. Garner reveals that the notable exception to the church fathers' writing on adoption was Irenaeus. After Irenaeus, Garner says , "Appearing only sporadically, adoption remained essentially hidden until it surfaced again at the pens of certain Reformers". From here Garner explains how the necessary work of forensic justification overshadowed Luther's treatment of adoption and how Calvin, in his wake took up the doctrine with much interest. Contra Robert Webb, Garner correctly asserts that for Calvin, adoption plays a central role in his theology. From there, Garner takes us to the Confession, the Puritans, and to its relative clandestinity after that. From there Garner takes us deeper into the history of adoption in scripture and into the cultural and etymological background of huiothesia and what informed Paul's understanding of it. This leads perfectly into the second movement of the book in which Garner dives into an exegetical and theological analysis of key texts on adoption.
In this second part of the book, Garner examines the key texts as they relate to the purpose of adoption, how it was accomplished through Christ, and the application of adoption. The purpose of adoption as Garner reveals is deeply filial and doxological. This is in keeping with Ephesians 1 and is key to placing the doctrine in its primary place of importance in or theology. From here Garner moves to how our adoption was accomplished and ultimately what it means to us who have the Spirit of adoption and who cry, "Abba! Father!". This ,in Romans 5:17-17, taken together with Romans 8:22-23 in which we groan inwardly while waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons leads us to an explicitly eschatological application of adoption and the Spirit's central role in applying our adoption.
Garner engages in a fascinating discussion on the relationship between adoption and redemption; and here is where the conversation gets really good. Are we to treat adoption as separate from or somewhat identical to justification? How does scripture treat our adoption? What Garner sets forth here in this book is a thoroughly convincing argument for treating adoption as something deserving of being treated separately from our justification.
To be honest, I kept finding myself reverting back to my old understanding of adoption though this seems to blur the distinction between two different aspects of our salvation. After reading Sons in the Son, this doesn't meld well in my mind. While there appears to be be biblical harmony between the two, after reading Garner's work on the Spirit's work in our adoption I am inclined to believe that while these two are closely related in that they both play an important role in our salvation, they are indeed distinct aspects of salvation and adoption must be understood to be distinct.
There are so many other fascinating discussions in this section including one on the role of adoption in Romans 9:4 and how, while Piper and Hodge have differeng opinions on the meaning of adoption here, they both have the same effect of discounting the epochal framework. Garner argues instead that the best aproach is to "accentuate the epochal and Christo-pneumatic contours of Paul's thelogy". This seems to make sense given the covenantal continuity in scripture and the progressive revealing of Christ.I could probably say so much more on this part of the book (Part 2) but given the need for brevity I'll simply say that your inner theologian will be simply giddy as Garner unfolds this doctrine before you.
The final movement (Part 3), having just unpcked all the biblical passages and the difficulties inherent within them, Garner unfolds the place of adoption in thelogy. This centers around a wonderful discussion of the ordo salutis and its historical and contemprary debates as well as a wonderful section on sonship and union with Christ.
Sons in the Son is a wonderful book and is nothing short of a theological masterpiece. As I stated earlier there is so much I can write about and I'm certain that there are some very important parts that I didn't even get a chance to touch on. This is a book that should appeal to a wide range of readers. Cartainly those who have an interest in soteriology will appreciate it and thoroughly enjoy this book. However, I believe it should, and will have a much larger reach. Those who are interested in participating in earthly adoption will have much to appreciate as they probe the depths of our own adoption. No matter what your intrest in adoption might be , Sons in the Son will enrich your understanding of this profound truth of the triune God whome we serve.
Click here to purchase on Amazon
Click here to purchase on ChristianBook.com
Click here to purchase from P&R Publishing
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sons in the Son is divided into three movements: In the first movement, Garner starts us off by providing a well needed review of the history of the doctrine of of adoption including key interpretive and etymological highlights from the history of Christian theology. However, before getting to the historical and hermeneutical background of adoption in Christ, Garner issues as well articulated warning against common interpretive errors which have contributed to the neglect of this doctrine. I've written on the dangers of relying too much on quantitative analysis in our hermeneutics in the past and was glad to see that Garner also recognizes the shortcomings of giving too much importance to quantitative rather than contextual analysis in assessing the proper weight of a doctrine's place in our theology. It is possible that an over-emphasis on quantitative analysis has lead to the relatively low place that adoption has played in our theologies up until now.
I really appreciated Garner's historical analysis of the doctrine of adoption. I was surprised to learn just how little attention the church fathers gave to the huiothesia [adoption] in their writings. Garner reveals that the notable exception to the church fathers' writing on adoption was Irenaeus. After Irenaeus, Garner says , "Appearing only sporadically, adoption remained essentially hidden until it surfaced again at the pens of certain Reformers". From here Garner explains how the necessary work of forensic justification overshadowed Luther's treatment of adoption and how Calvin, in his wake took up the doctrine with much interest. Contra Robert Webb, Garner correctly asserts that for Calvin, adoption plays a central role in his theology. From there, Garner takes us to the Confession, the Puritans, and to its relative clandestinity after that. From there Garner takes us deeper into the history of adoption in scripture and into the cultural and etymological background of huiothesia and what informed Paul's understanding of it. This leads perfectly into the second movement of the book in which Garner dives into an exegetical and theological analysis of key texts on adoption.
In this second part of the book, Garner examines the key texts as they relate to the purpose of adoption, how it was accomplished through Christ, and the application of adoption. The purpose of adoption as Garner reveals is deeply filial and doxological. This is in keeping with Ephesians 1 and is key to placing the doctrine in its primary place of importance in or theology. From here Garner moves to how our adoption was accomplished and ultimately what it means to us who have the Spirit of adoption and who cry, "Abba! Father!". This ,in Romans 5:17-17, taken together with Romans 8:22-23 in which we groan inwardly while waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons leads us to an explicitly eschatological application of adoption and the Spirit's central role in applying our adoption.
Garner engages in a fascinating discussion on the relationship between adoption and redemption; and here is where the conversation gets really good. Are we to treat adoption as separate from or somewhat identical to justification? How does scripture treat our adoption? What Garner sets forth here in this book is a thoroughly convincing argument for treating adoption as something deserving of being treated separately from our justification.
To be honest, I kept finding myself reverting back to my old understanding of adoption though this seems to blur the distinction between two different aspects of our salvation. After reading Sons in the Son, this doesn't meld well in my mind. While there appears to be be biblical harmony between the two, after reading Garner's work on the Spirit's work in our adoption I am inclined to believe that while these two are closely related in that they both play an important role in our salvation, they are indeed distinct aspects of salvation and adoption must be understood to be distinct.
There are so many other fascinating discussions in this section including one on the role of adoption in Romans 9:4 and how, while Piper and Hodge have differeng opinions on the meaning of adoption here, they both have the same effect of discounting the epochal framework. Garner argues instead that the best aproach is to "accentuate the epochal and Christo-pneumatic contours of Paul's thelogy". This seems to make sense given the covenantal continuity in scripture and the progressive revealing of Christ.I could probably say so much more on this part of the book (Part 2) but given the need for brevity I'll simply say that your inner theologian will be simply giddy as Garner unfolds this doctrine before you.
The final movement (Part 3), having just unpcked all the biblical passages and the difficulties inherent within them, Garner unfolds the place of adoption in thelogy. This centers around a wonderful discussion of the ordo salutis and its historical and contemprary debates as well as a wonderful section on sonship and union with Christ.
Sons in the Son is a wonderful book and is nothing short of a theological masterpiece. As I stated earlier there is so much I can write about and I'm certain that there are some very important parts that I didn't even get a chance to touch on. This is a book that should appeal to a wide range of readers. Cartainly those who have an interest in soteriology will appreciate it and thoroughly enjoy this book. However, I believe it should, and will have a much larger reach. Those who are interested in participating in earthly adoption will have much to appreciate as they probe the depths of our own adoption. No matter what your intrest in adoption might be , Sons in the Son will enrich your understanding of this profound truth of the triune God whome we serve.
Click here to purchase on Amazon
Click here to purchase on ChristianBook.com
Click here to purchase from P&R Publishing
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 20, 2017
This is an important book; "the gospel is adoption" (p. 306). It's also a compelling read. It's a good soaking in all things biblical and theological. What may seem like a seldom-mentioned word, adoption (learn this Greek word: huiothesia), is shown to be the very heart of our union with Christ in salvation and also to encompass the spectrum of related disciplines such as Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. More than the subject matter richly displayed, the book is a valuable example of methodology: how should we approach the study of such a rich biblical theme? You'll see how a redemptive-historical hermeneutic actually works in exegesis (including textual criticism) of the key adoption texts (Eph 1, Gal 4, Rom 8, 9). You'll see how biblical theology and systematic theology interact and mutually inform one another, how eschatology ("now, and not yet") precedes soteriology, and how the historia salutis (redemption accomplished) is tied to the ordo salutis (redemption applied, centering on union and the primary benefit of adoption) through Christ and the Spirit. One result is a renewed emphasis on the importance of Calvin's duplex gratia, how justification (declaration) and sanctification (renovation) are twin benefits of our union with Christ, who has secured these and delivered them as “life-giving Spirit” to those joined to Him. For me this book is at the upper end of my abilities, but thankfully the writing was very clear and the book’s organization was beneficial.
May 29, 2019
Proscribes a "functionally" mutable sonship to Christ, which makes the relationship of the Son to the Father in the economy of the trinity "functionally" mutable. Uses a lot of language of the second Person of the trinity "becoming" Son in an "unprecedented" manner. Overall, resulting in either two sonships (thus two sons) or a mutable second Person of the trinity.
October 15, 2017
David B. Garner is vice president of advancement and associate professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS). Garner received his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary and PhD from WTS. He is author of How Can I Know for Sure?: Christian Answers to Hard Questions (P&R Publishing, 2014) and editor of the influential work Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture (P&R Publishing, 2014). Garner is well-respected in the academic community and his many research interests culminate in a special concern for the interface of theology and missions. Most recently, Garner has written a classic theological exploration of doctrine adoption.
Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ is a groundbreaking examination of adoption in Pauline thought. Garner divides the study into three parts: (1) hermeneutic, history, and etymology, (2) exegetical and theological survey of key texts, and (3) biblical and systematic theology. This threefold division is intentionally oriented towards Garner’s goal of providing an examination of adoption that moves from divine revelation to theological refection, rather than social and cultural reconstruction to theological conclusion (p. xxv). It is also here that Garner offers a somewhat unique approach to the topic of adoption. In part one, Garner provides readers with a hermeneutical and historical-theological survey of adoption and an exceptional treatment of huiothesia. For Garner, huiothesia “captures the whole scope of filial grace enjoyed by means of the Spirit-wrought union with the resurrected Son of God” (p. 54). In part two, the readers are judiciously guided through the three major Pauline huiothesia passages, including Ephesians 1:3-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17 and 22-23. Finally, in part three, Garner gathers everything together and begins to uncover the systematic thread of adoption as it joins the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of salvation in the Ordo Salutis and union with Christ.
Sons in the Son is a phenomenal work, full of rich theological reflection and practical wisdom. The organization is appropriate for road traveled and readers will appreciate Garner’s detailed knowledge of the subject. Because the majority of literature on adoption is saturated with social and cultural reconstructions, some readers may be slightly dissatisfied with Garner’s theological approach. There is something to be said about the social and cultural practice of adoption in the Greco-Roman world and how such informed the biblical metaphor in Pauline thought, but the approach that Garner takes seems to offer a more sustainable reflection upon the overall scope behind the metaphor rather than the metaphor itself. That is, these perceived shortcomings are actually a strength when taken within context of the purpose of Garner’s exploration.
Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ by David B. Garner is both timely and timeless. Garner is comprehensive, clear, and readable. I’m honestly flabbergasted that other contemporary Reformed theological minds haven’t attempted to write this book. It’s so basic to the heart of the gospel. But, then again, I’m so very thankful that Garner was the one to do it! It is without a shadow of a doubt that Garner has written one of the most important books of 2017. If you’re looking for a book that with alter how you view and think about the relationship between salvation and Christ, then Sons in the Son should be at the top of your list. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly!
Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ is a groundbreaking examination of adoption in Pauline thought. Garner divides the study into three parts: (1) hermeneutic, history, and etymology, (2) exegetical and theological survey of key texts, and (3) biblical and systematic theology. This threefold division is intentionally oriented towards Garner’s goal of providing an examination of adoption that moves from divine revelation to theological refection, rather than social and cultural reconstruction to theological conclusion (p. xxv). It is also here that Garner offers a somewhat unique approach to the topic of adoption. In part one, Garner provides readers with a hermeneutical and historical-theological survey of adoption and an exceptional treatment of huiothesia. For Garner, huiothesia “captures the whole scope of filial grace enjoyed by means of the Spirit-wrought union with the resurrected Son of God” (p. 54). In part two, the readers are judiciously guided through the three major Pauline huiothesia passages, including Ephesians 1:3-6, Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17 and 22-23. Finally, in part three, Garner gathers everything together and begins to uncover the systematic thread of adoption as it joins the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of salvation in the Ordo Salutis and union with Christ.
Sons in the Son is a phenomenal work, full of rich theological reflection and practical wisdom. The organization is appropriate for road traveled and readers will appreciate Garner’s detailed knowledge of the subject. Because the majority of literature on adoption is saturated with social and cultural reconstructions, some readers may be slightly dissatisfied with Garner’s theological approach. There is something to be said about the social and cultural practice of adoption in the Greco-Roman world and how such informed the biblical metaphor in Pauline thought, but the approach that Garner takes seems to offer a more sustainable reflection upon the overall scope behind the metaphor rather than the metaphor itself. That is, these perceived shortcomings are actually a strength when taken within context of the purpose of Garner’s exploration.
Sons in the Son: The Riches and Reach of Adoption in Christ by David B. Garner is both timely and timeless. Garner is comprehensive, clear, and readable. I’m honestly flabbergasted that other contemporary Reformed theological minds haven’t attempted to write this book. It’s so basic to the heart of the gospel. But, then again, I’m so very thankful that Garner was the one to do it! It is without a shadow of a doubt that Garner has written one of the most important books of 2017. If you’re looking for a book that with alter how you view and think about the relationship between salvation and Christ, then Sons in the Son should be at the top of your list. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly!
May 17, 2023
J.I. Packer wrote, "Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification.. . To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater." Packer lamented the absence of works devoted to adoption and expressed the hope that theologians would, someday, devote their efforts to explicating this important Christian doctrine. In that context, I purchased this book. Unfortunately, this is not the book I was hoping for (even though Packer's endorsement appears on the cover).
The book does one important thing: it moves the adoption of the sons of man by the Father to the fore of the gospel message and thereby links it to sanctification, placing that work (holiness) of God as the ultimate goal of our adoption. While justification has been the focus of so much attention, the justification is the means of adoption. As Packer wrote in Knowing God, the gospel can be summarized in three words: adoption through propitiation. I especially commend Part 3 of the book in delving into the riches of the doctrine as applied.
However I found many weaknesses to this work. First, it is NOT accessible to the average reader, the masses of believers who so need to consider this essential doctrine. I agree with Tyler Brown's review posted on Goodreads: "There is writing that is too simplistic: it lacks nuance and is unhelpful. Likewise there is writing that is technical because it must be: the concepts require precise language and this actually makes the work more accessible, not less. Then there is that special class of writers who are able to take complex ideas and communicate them to lay-people: a skill very few possess. But Garner's work falls into a fourth category: he is needlessly technical. Garner falls into the trap of communicating ideas that do not require complex presentation and so hiding the plain truth in dense prose that it is almost inaccessible."
Moreover, I am troubled by his premise that Christ was adopted as Son at His resurrection. While he assures the reader that he holds to the orthodox doctrine of God as expressed by the Council of Nicea, he does little to assuage concerns due to his assertion of a "functionally" mutable Son wherein Christ "became the consummate image of God at his resurrection/adoption" and became the Son in an "unprecedented" manner. If Garner did not mean to present this position, he should have made himself clearer. He did not convince me that Jesus was, along with being the eternal Son of God, also the "adopted" Son of God. Nowhere in the book does he reflect on Christ's eternal Sonship, a discussion very much needed in the Church today, as orthodox Trinitarian doctrine is weak (mostly due to a lack of instruction), and most Christians are practical modalists. Also, focusing exclusively on Paul's writings, Garner misses the rich contributions of adoption found in the writings of John.
I will continue to search for that work on adoption that Packer longed to see.
The book does one important thing: it moves the adoption of the sons of man by the Father to the fore of the gospel message and thereby links it to sanctification, placing that work (holiness) of God as the ultimate goal of our adoption. While justification has been the focus of so much attention, the justification is the means of adoption. As Packer wrote in Knowing God, the gospel can be summarized in three words: adoption through propitiation. I especially commend Part 3 of the book in delving into the riches of the doctrine as applied.
However I found many weaknesses to this work. First, it is NOT accessible to the average reader, the masses of believers who so need to consider this essential doctrine. I agree with Tyler Brown's review posted on Goodreads: "There is writing that is too simplistic: it lacks nuance and is unhelpful. Likewise there is writing that is technical because it must be: the concepts require precise language and this actually makes the work more accessible, not less. Then there is that special class of writers who are able to take complex ideas and communicate them to lay-people: a skill very few possess. But Garner's work falls into a fourth category: he is needlessly technical. Garner falls into the trap of communicating ideas that do not require complex presentation and so hiding the plain truth in dense prose that it is almost inaccessible."
Moreover, I am troubled by his premise that Christ was adopted as Son at His resurrection. While he assures the reader that he holds to the orthodox doctrine of God as expressed by the Council of Nicea, he does little to assuage concerns due to his assertion of a "functionally" mutable Son wherein Christ "became the consummate image of God at his resurrection/adoption" and became the Son in an "unprecedented" manner. If Garner did not mean to present this position, he should have made himself clearer. He did not convince me that Jesus was, along with being the eternal Son of God, also the "adopted" Son of God. Nowhere in the book does he reflect on Christ's eternal Sonship, a discussion very much needed in the Church today, as orthodox Trinitarian doctrine is weak (mostly due to a lack of instruction), and most Christians are practical modalists. Also, focusing exclusively on Paul's writings, Garner misses the rich contributions of adoption found in the writings of John.
I will continue to search for that work on adoption that Packer longed to see.
April 19, 2020
Took a tad longer because of other reading commitments but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Garner surveys all of Pauline corpus that relates to the doctrine of adoption (huiothesian text), demonstrating masterful exegetical working as he locates them in their larger redemptive-historical and covenantal context (Romans 8-9, Ephesians 1 and Galatians 4). The motif of adoption actually undergirds Pauline theology saliently, so this book also reads like a comprehensive primer to Pauline theology/soteriology (in part 2 where most of the exegetical work are done), with most of the theological systematizing and synthesizing of the doctrine of adoption and how it corresponds to the Ordo Salutis and union with Christ in the final 4 chapters of the book (part 3). Garner does employ a lot of technical/theological language and terms, and engages broadly with other scholarly works on the doctrine of adoption, so it does appear to be a book for the academic arena, yet the book is also permeated with Garner's pastoral and doxological overtones. If one is willing to plough through the academic rigour with some intentional effort, I highly recommend it as a premier work on Pauline theology/soteriology.
"Whomever, therefore, God receives into grace, on them He at the same time bestows the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15), by whose power He remakes them into His own image. For we have been adopted as sons by the Lord with this one condition: that our life express Christ, the bond of our adoption. By partaking of Him, we principally relieve a double grace (duplex gratia): namely, that being reconciled to God through Christ's blamelessness (justification), we may have in heaven instead of a Judge a gracious Father; and secondly, that sanctified by Christ's spirit we may cultivate blamelessness and purity of life (sanctification). I have no other defence or refuge for salvation than His gratuitous adoption on which my salvation depends. I trust in no other security for my salvation than this, and this only, that as God is the Father of mercy, He will show Himself a Father to me, who acknowledge myself to be a miserable sinner."
- John Calvin
"Whomever, therefore, God receives into grace, on them He at the same time bestows the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15), by whose power He remakes them into His own image. For we have been adopted as sons by the Lord with this one condition: that our life express Christ, the bond of our adoption. By partaking of Him, we principally relieve a double grace (duplex gratia): namely, that being reconciled to God through Christ's blamelessness (justification), we may have in heaven instead of a Judge a gracious Father; and secondly, that sanctified by Christ's spirit we may cultivate blamelessness and purity of life (sanctification). I have no other defence or refuge for salvation than His gratuitous adoption on which my salvation depends. I trust in no other security for my salvation than this, and this only, that as God is the Father of mercy, He will show Himself a Father to me, who acknowledge myself to be a miserable sinner."
- John Calvin
November 3, 2021
This was a beast of a book in good and bad ways. I'm so thankful to be adopted by God the Father as a result of the work of the Son.
The strengths:
-Section on union with Christ is SO good. His critique of "forensically focused" approaches are a needed critique and one that I hope will continue to be discussed.
- The historical surveys of the doctrine's place in systematics are fascinating.
- Garner does a great job highlighting the centrality of the Spirit's work in adoption through union with Christ by faith.
- Garner has two diagrams on p. 262 and 308 that are worth the price of admission. So helpful.
The weaknesses:
- My main critique is with the way it is written. There is writing that is too simplistic: it lacks nuance and is unhelpful. Likewise there is writing that is technical because it must be: the concepts require precise language and this actually makes the work more accessible, not less. Then there is that special class of writers who are able to take complex ideas and communicate them to lay-people: a skill very few possess. But Garner's work falls into a fourth category: he is needlessly technical. Garner falls into the trap of communicating ideas that do not require complex presentation and so hiding the plain truth in dense prose that it is almost inaccessible. Cone rightly called this "a bourgeois of intellectual masturbation."
- Garner limits his reflects exclusively to Paul. He bemoans the conflation of John's emphasis on being children of God and Paul's point, but in the systematic presentations of doctrine, John is never given a voice.
- I have tension with some of his language of Christ being adopted at the resurrection. I'm thankful that Garner strives to maintain Nicaean-classical theism, despite this view--I'm hoping to see how Burke/MacLeod offer another paradigm that holds that Christ is not adopted in earthly ministry. What is most shocking however is that Garner has zero reflection on eternal generation: the bedrock of Christ's eternal Sonship, which is revealed in the temporal mission of the sending of the Son.
The strengths:
-Section on union with Christ is SO good. His critique of "forensically focused" approaches are a needed critique and one that I hope will continue to be discussed.
- The historical surveys of the doctrine's place in systematics are fascinating.
- Garner does a great job highlighting the centrality of the Spirit's work in adoption through union with Christ by faith.
- Garner has two diagrams on p. 262 and 308 that are worth the price of admission. So helpful.
The weaknesses:
- My main critique is with the way it is written. There is writing that is too simplistic: it lacks nuance and is unhelpful. Likewise there is writing that is technical because it must be: the concepts require precise language and this actually makes the work more accessible, not less. Then there is that special class of writers who are able to take complex ideas and communicate them to lay-people: a skill very few possess. But Garner's work falls into a fourth category: he is needlessly technical. Garner falls into the trap of communicating ideas that do not require complex presentation and so hiding the plain truth in dense prose that it is almost inaccessible. Cone rightly called this "a bourgeois of intellectual masturbation."
- Garner limits his reflects exclusively to Paul. He bemoans the conflation of John's emphasis on being children of God and Paul's point, but in the systematic presentations of doctrine, John is never given a voice.
- I have tension with some of his language of Christ being adopted at the resurrection. I'm thankful that Garner strives to maintain Nicaean-classical theism, despite this view--I'm hoping to see how Burke/MacLeod offer another paradigm that holds that Christ is not adopted in earthly ministry. What is most shocking however is that Garner has zero reflection on eternal generation: the bedrock of Christ's eternal Sonship, which is revealed in the temporal mission of the sending of the Son.
March 24, 2022
This may be the best book on adoption and even salvation in general. I say "may" because I have not read them all, but it would be hard to surpass this book. One could only of one wrote something with the same content and emphasis but in language that is more accessible to the average Christian.
This book argues for the centrality of our adoption in the eternal decree and plan of God, in the redemptive work of the Son, and in the application of the Spirit. The believer's adoption in Christ is the goal of God's election of his and the context in which all the other benefits of union with Christ come. Garner argues this case persuasively and shows how it changes everything in the Christian life now and future.
This book argues for the centrality of our adoption in the eternal decree and plan of God, in the redemptive work of the Son, and in the application of the Spirit. The believer's adoption in Christ is the goal of God's election of his and the context in which all the other benefits of union with Christ come. Garner argues this case persuasively and shows how it changes everything in the Christian life now and future.
March 29, 2020
The best modern-day theological treatment of the most comforting doctrine of the Christian faith! Garner does a phenomenal job of dissecting the grandeur and points of encouragement that one has with the Father in union with Christ. I give 4-stars for the occasional repetition of previously stated points.
September 5, 2018
Highly disappointed in this book. Author said Jesus secured our adoption because he was adopted and he achieved His Messiah-Sonship.
Not worth it.
Not worth it.
March 14, 2020
This the most complete and beautiful examination of the doctrine of adoption that I have ever read.
October 27, 2022
Fascinating! I don't yet buy Garner's central thesis, but, even so, it is intriguing and the book is well worth the time.
December 21, 2016
This book is more than just a brief look at the Biblical doctrine of adoption. It is comprehensive. In fact, that is its main drawback. It is based heavily on Garner's dissertation, and so is way more technical at times than it needs to be. It is also terribly organized. Its internal flow is almost non-existent.
Those caveats aside, the material is quite good, even if you in the end are not totally convinced by Garner's conclusions. He argues that adoption is the overarching soteric benefit that informs both justification and sanctification. In fact, at times it seems that he struggles to separate it from union with Christ itself (which I would call the overarching soteric reality). However, when he does distinguish the two, he points to Christ's resurrection as the point of his ultimate adoption by the Father, based on his reading of Romans 1:1-4 (this is NOT adoptionism, by the way; he fully affirms the eternal generation of the son; however, Christ's status changed at the resurrection, and Garner says that adoption is the reason why; this helps to explain why Paul ties adoption to the resurrection of our bodies in Romans 8--if we are united to Christ, then what happened at his resurrection will happen to us as well--even we in one sense are not yet fully adopted).
Garner takes a long, long time to get to this point. Nevertheless, his discussion of the historia salutis and the order salutis is helpful, especially as many theologians struggle to place adoption in either scheme. In the end, I can recommend this book to those highly interested in union with Christ or with the ordo and historia salutis. Others may not find much to make their reading worthwhile.
Those caveats aside, the material is quite good, even if you in the end are not totally convinced by Garner's conclusions. He argues that adoption is the overarching soteric benefit that informs both justification and sanctification. In fact, at times it seems that he struggles to separate it from union with Christ itself (which I would call the overarching soteric reality). However, when he does distinguish the two, he points to Christ's resurrection as the point of his ultimate adoption by the Father, based on his reading of Romans 1:1-4 (this is NOT adoptionism, by the way; he fully affirms the eternal generation of the son; however, Christ's status changed at the resurrection, and Garner says that adoption is the reason why; this helps to explain why Paul ties adoption to the resurrection of our bodies in Romans 8--if we are united to Christ, then what happened at his resurrection will happen to us as well--even we in one sense are not yet fully adopted).
Garner takes a long, long time to get to this point. Nevertheless, his discussion of the historia salutis and the order salutis is helpful, especially as many theologians struggle to place adoption in either scheme. In the end, I can recommend this book to those highly interested in union with Christ or with the ordo and historia salutis. Others may not find much to make their reading worthwhile.
January 3, 2019
Already read it twice. David B. Garner is brilliant in approaching this often overlooked topic in theology, arguably one of the greatest distinctive beliefs of the christian faith. He does justice to the subject and adds to work of men like Calvin and Murray. Again this is an excellent resource to read, reference, meditate and study. If you are looking into these reviews before pulling the trigger about buying, just do it. This is one of those books I'd say to a friend "If you don't come out the other side of reading it with a thankful heart, i'll personally give your money back"
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